8.31.2011
Random Pretty Man
I hesitated to put Paul Newman into the 'Random Pretty Man' category because he wasn't pretty...
He was the most gorgeous thing in the world....
Out and About on Sullivan's Island
When I was a little girl, my mom subscribed to Southern Living and after reading an article about Sullivan's Island, I determined that I wanted to live there when I grew up....
Although I do not live there, I did eat dinner there last week, at Atlanticville - so totally worth it!
We were supposed to go to Fig but we weren't all that taken with the menu that night so we cancelled that and went to Atlanticville instead....
If you are staying out on the Isle of Palms or in Sullivan's Island or if you just want to take a cool drive across the bridge...
Go! Eat! Thank me later....
8.30.2011
This Charming Bookshelf
So, as I've mentioned before my New Year's Resolution to 'read more books' is sort of getting out of control and I'm reading more than I can comfortably blog about!
I think this is a really good thing. I have almost completely eliminated television this summer and last week we didn't even turn the TV on until Thursday night and that was only to watch Hurricane coverage on The Weather Channel.
Here's a list of what's been piling up on my reading table:
I read 'The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay ' for my bookclub and until it showed up on our reading list, I had never heard of it.
It's a long book and I have to say I think it's more of a 'guy' book. I am not and have never been entranced with the world of comic books - as many of my male friends and male cousins have been.
Having said that, this is a good book - a little long in places - and at the end I wished that Chabon had spent more time letting us into the interior lives of Kavalier and Clay and a little less time waxing rhapsodic about the history of the comics.
But it was good and I'm glad I read it.
'Light in August' was my light beach reading this year.... Oh my goodness.... I continue to be blown away by William Faulkner. I could literally cry over the number of years that I lived without him!
This book is dark and its hard and its unsettling. But I loved it. Sex and race and God and love and blood and heat and light and August....
I was hooked from start to finish. And now I just want to read it again.
Having NOT had enough of Southern fiction, I finished 'Light in August' and then picked up 'The Moviegoer'.
This is a relatively short read - and it's a sad, poetic and often funny portrait of a disaffected young man who finds no meaning in the reality of his own life and so turns to movies on his 'horizontal search' for the meaning of life - that is when he's not trying to have sex with a succession of secretaries...
And then I re-read 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. There is NO better way to spend your time and if you are only going to read 5 books in your whole life, this should be number one with a bullet. Its a perfect book. It makes me want to marry Atticus Finch and love him up....
I also read 'American Pastoral' by Philip Roth. I probably should start by saying that I've never read Roth before, which I think may influence my thoughts on this book. He appears to have a cumulative effect on his readers. Having said that, if more knowledge of Roth's work in general would have made me think less of 'American Pastoral', then I'm glad I haven't read him.
The book is about a guy, Swede Levov, who does everything in his life 'right'. He's hardworking, humble, successful, empathetic, kind, monogamous, attentive to his family, gracious to those around him - and his life goes to shit anyway. And the book is about his attempts to cope with it and to understand it.
I was struck by the absence of God in this book. Swede's Jewish-ness is a central theme, yet he is not observant and has little or no relationship with God. As he struggles to make sense of his life, of the loss of his child in a way more painful than death, he has no spiritual life and no spiritual framework within which to gain perspective. I suppose that the absence of God from one's life is not a state to which I can relate, so when Swede had no where to turn except to his own (quite possibly non-existent inner reserves) it was hard for me to relate. Ultimately, there is a hopelessness to this book, the hopelessness which results from the proposition that life and accomplishment may ultimately be without any reward and that pain and suffering are as inevitable as death.
The book itself has a strange structure which I found interesting and yet ultimately flawed. I think the book would have made a stronger impact had it been edited a little differently.
Nevertheless, I found this book deeply affecting and thought provoking.
Next up: 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers, 'Freedom' by Jonathan Franzen and 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves.
I think this is a really good thing. I have almost completely eliminated television this summer and last week we didn't even turn the TV on until Thursday night and that was only to watch Hurricane coverage on The Weather Channel.
Here's a list of what's been piling up on my reading table:
I read 'The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay ' for my bookclub and until it showed up on our reading list, I had never heard of it.
It's a long book and I have to say I think it's more of a 'guy' book. I am not and have never been entranced with the world of comic books - as many of my male friends and male cousins have been.
Having said that, this is a good book - a little long in places - and at the end I wished that Chabon had spent more time letting us into the interior lives of Kavalier and Clay and a little less time waxing rhapsodic about the history of the comics.
But it was good and I'm glad I read it.
'Light in August' was my light beach reading this year.... Oh my goodness.... I continue to be blown away by William Faulkner. I could literally cry over the number of years that I lived without him!
This book is dark and its hard and its unsettling. But I loved it. Sex and race and God and love and blood and heat and light and August....
I was hooked from start to finish. And now I just want to read it again.
Having NOT had enough of Southern fiction, I finished 'Light in August' and then picked up 'The Moviegoer'.
This is a relatively short read - and it's a sad, poetic and often funny portrait of a disaffected young man who finds no meaning in the reality of his own life and so turns to movies on his 'horizontal search' for the meaning of life - that is when he's not trying to have sex with a succession of secretaries...
And then I re-read 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. There is NO better way to spend your time and if you are only going to read 5 books in your whole life, this should be number one with a bullet. Its a perfect book. It makes me want to marry Atticus Finch and love him up....
I also read 'American Pastoral' by Philip Roth. I probably should start by saying that I've never read Roth before, which I think may influence my thoughts on this book. He appears to have a cumulative effect on his readers. Having said that, if more knowledge of Roth's work in general would have made me think less of 'American Pastoral', then I'm glad I haven't read him.
The book is about a guy, Swede Levov, who does everything in his life 'right'. He's hardworking, humble, successful, empathetic, kind, monogamous, attentive to his family, gracious to those around him - and his life goes to shit anyway. And the book is about his attempts to cope with it and to understand it.
I was struck by the absence of God in this book. Swede's Jewish-ness is a central theme, yet he is not observant and has little or no relationship with God. As he struggles to make sense of his life, of the loss of his child in a way more painful than death, he has no spiritual life and no spiritual framework within which to gain perspective. I suppose that the absence of God from one's life is not a state to which I can relate, so when Swede had no where to turn except to his own (quite possibly non-existent inner reserves) it was hard for me to relate. Ultimately, there is a hopelessness to this book, the hopelessness which results from the proposition that life and accomplishment may ultimately be without any reward and that pain and suffering are as inevitable as death.
The book itself has a strange structure which I found interesting and yet ultimately flawed. I think the book would have made a stronger impact had it been edited a little differently.
Nevertheless, I found this book deeply affecting and thought provoking.
Next up: 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers, 'Freedom' by Jonathan Franzen and 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves.
Husk
Due to Hurricane related cancellations, we were able to score a lunch reservation at Husk in Charleston.
Score one for Irene!
For those of you who haven't heard, Husk was recently named the 'Best New Restaurant in the Country' by Bon Appetit Magazine. I also was particularly proud because their chef (and apparent culinary wunkderkind) is up from my neck of the woods in Southwest Virginia....
In a word - Oh. My. God.
I know - it's three words but I couldn't do it in one.
First of all - they brought us homemade rolls with sesame seeds on top and little bites of salt and the butter! The butter was mixed with rendered bacon fat... That's right - they mixed butter and bacon together! Genius! Why had I never thought of that???
Then for lunch we had a 'cheeseburger' but that title really doesn't do it justice.
Y'all - they grind up bacon and mix it in with the hamburger meat and then fry it... bacon IN the hamburger! Again - Genius!!!
It was so, so good. A bacon extravaganza!
I can't stop thinking about it.... I also basically haven't stopped oozing bacon out of the pores in my face since last Friday. It's a good thing Charleston is 200 miles away - is all I am saying.
But I would eat one every day if I could do it and still, you know, not weigh 400 pounds.
Also, the building was absolutely lovely. Just beautiful -
And the service was amazing.
Go! As soon as possible!
And make sure you make a reservation - well in advance....
Score one for Irene!
For those of you who haven't heard, Husk was recently named the 'Best New Restaurant in the Country' by Bon Appetit Magazine. I also was particularly proud because their chef (and apparent culinary wunkderkind) is up from my neck of the woods in Southwest Virginia....
In a word - Oh. My. God.
I know - it's three words but I couldn't do it in one.
First of all - they brought us homemade rolls with sesame seeds on top and little bites of salt and the butter! The butter was mixed with rendered bacon fat... That's right - they mixed butter and bacon together! Genius! Why had I never thought of that???
Then for lunch we had a 'cheeseburger' but that title really doesn't do it justice.
Y'all - they grind up bacon and mix it in with the hamburger meat and then fry it... bacon IN the hamburger! Again - Genius!!!
It was so, so good. A bacon extravaganza!
I can't stop thinking about it.... I also basically haven't stopped oozing bacon out of the pores in my face since last Friday. It's a good thing Charleston is 200 miles away - is all I am saying.
But I would eat one every day if I could do it and still, you know, not weigh 400 pounds.
Also, the building was absolutely lovely. Just beautiful -
And the service was amazing.
Go! As soon as possible!
And make sure you make a reservation - well in advance....
8.29.2011
Happy Monday
I'm back from the beach! I'm so happy to be home and I so wish I was still there - at the same time. I hope one day to have enough money to go for 2 weeks in a row AND to be able to take the Beans with me.
A girl can dream, right?
I've got court this week, book club and a (much needed) facial on Thursday night.
FUN!
I hope those of you on the East Coast are safe and dry after this weekend's big storm. I was lucky enough to have avoided most of it and I have to say that I enjoyed the part I got. Nature is amazing and sometimes we can be lucky enough to get a glimpse of how powerful it is. I got that peek last week and I am grateful.
xoxo - Tonya
Image: Blush by Vanilla Extinction.
Hurricane Irene
So the week I go to the beach, of course, the first Hurricane of the year hits....
I cannot complain - the dang thing mostly missed Charleston but we enjoyed some wild surf and some really cool skies - here's a little photographic evidence.
This was the most perfect rainbow.
The clouds parted and the sun came out and it lasted for about 1 minute.... and then just a sheet of gray rain blew across like someone drew a curtain and totally drenched us!
And this was the morning after... the most beautiful day!
I cannot complain - the dang thing mostly missed Charleston but we enjoyed some wild surf and some really cool skies - here's a little photographic evidence.
This was the most perfect rainbow.
The clouds parted and the sun came out and it lasted for about 1 minute.... and then just a sheet of gray rain blew across like someone drew a curtain and totally drenched us!
And this was the morning after... the most beautiful day!
8.26.2011
Happy Friday
Hey, everybody!
Have a happy and safe weekend.
I am hunkered down in the low country under a tropical storm warning! Sorta scary.
If you are in the path of this storm, stay safe!
xoxo - Tonya
Image by me!
8.25.2011
8.24.2011
Random Pretty Man
It occurred to me on Sunday afternoon that its been a while since Ewan McGregor visited us here at The Bee Charmer....
I'm pretending that he's wearing a kilt with this suit jacket....
This Charming Kitchen
This is the Barefoot Contessa's Country French Omelet Recipe!
You should make it. As soon as possible....
1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, 1-inch-diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 extra large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned but not crisp.
Take the bacon out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
Place the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until very tender and browned, tossing occasionally to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the same plate with the bacon.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together with a fork. After the potatoes are removed, pour the fat out of the pan and discard. Add the butter, lower the heat to low, and pour the eggs into the hot pan. Sprinkle the bacon, potatoes, and chives evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Slide onto a plate, divide in half, and serve hot.
You should make it. As soon as possible....
Ingredients
Cooking Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned but not crisp.
Take the bacon out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
Place the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until very tender and browned, tossing occasionally to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the same plate with the bacon.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together with a fork. After the potatoes are removed, pour the fat out of the pan and discard. Add the butter, lower the heat to low, and pour the eggs into the hot pan. Sprinkle the bacon, potatoes, and chives evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Slide onto a plate, divide in half, and serve hot.
8.23.2011
Tuesday's Girl
"You know what I say? I say what Grandmother used to say: "If it duddn't look good, don't stick it out on your front porch."
Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker on Designing Women
Why Can't I Be You?
One of my all time favorite songs. I still listen to it all the time.
But one of the worst, strangest videos...
Ever!
This Charming House
This post was inspired by a post a couple of weeks ago at Apartment Therapy called Learning to Love Your Home: Taking an Apartment Journey. The upshot of it was it that you should take the time to really SEE your home, in all it's uniqueness and beauty and to appreciate it and be grateful...
So I went around and snapped some shots...
So I went around and snapped some shots...
8.22.2011
Happy Monday
Hey, guys!
Happy Monday!
I'm sort of busy this week so the blogging will be lighter than usual, maybe, kinda, sorta....
I don't know, I'm gonna give it my best shot, OK?
xoxo - Tonya
Image: Pink Rose by Maritebee Photography.
The Bee Charmer Loves Paris
Little Brown Pen's latest print..
I'm in love with it.
Image: Last Light, Paris by Little Brown Pen.
8.18.2011
Happy Weekend!
The Beans and I are cutting out early this week!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
xoxo - Tonya
Image from here.
8.17.2011
Angie Harmon Ripped Us Off!!!
My Aunt (who lives in Oklahoma) called and left us a message last week.
Now - bear in mind that she does not know that Angie Harmon lives in Charlotte or that we have
My Aunt called to relate to me that she had been watching this TV show called "Rizolli and Isles" and in this one scene the cop (Angie Harmon's character) pulled up in her car beside her brother (a dog walker) who was walking the dogs down the street and she turned her siren on and her brother says:
"Turn that off, you're scaring Finn and Lola."
Coincidence?
We think not.
Clearly, Angie Harmon is exploiting living here in Charlotte and her close proximity to Chateau Bee Charmer - and RIPPING US OFF!!
Can you believe it?
I mean how could that have just been some coincidence? She must be a Bee Charmer fan. There is just no other explanation!
Charming Words
adjective
having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning
Image from here.
8.16.2011
Tuesday's Girl
"Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can really go wrong."
Ella FitzgeraldImage: Ella Fitzgerald Beverly Hills 1988 by Annie Leibovitz.
Goodreads
Hey!
In keeping with my new found reading mania, I've decided to sign up for Goodreads.
In case you don't know about it, it's a social networking sight designed to help you keep up with the books you have read, the books you want to read and the books you're currently reading. You can also review the books and share your reading list and your reviews with your friends.
I found making my lists INCREDIBLY satisfying and I also like checking off the books as I read them and looking at the long list of the ones I've already read.
Yes. I know. I'm weird and anal - but checking off lists makes me happy.
For the most part, I'm just doing this year's list, but I imagine I'll add to it as time goes on.
If you'd like to follow along or sign up yourselves, that would be great.
You can 'friend' me or just follow along at www.goodreads.com/thebeecharmer.
Please, Please Baby
My West Virginia upbringing has left me with a vivid appreciation for honky tonk music and Dwight is a modern master.
I am also mesmerized by the tightness of his jeans....
This Charming Closet
This is the sweater that I have been praying for for 2 years.
Slouchy, black, roomy v-necked, cashmere, bell sleeves.
*heavy sigh*
I wish it didn't cost so much but I must have it. Hopefully, they'll soon be a bit of a sale.
It's the J. Crew (without whom I would be naked) summer fling sweater.
They also had this great bag, it a luggage leather (which is what I'm looking for for the fall).
It's the Newstand Tote.
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